FEMA awards $4.58M for IPAWS cloud support to DLT Solutions, LLC, focusing on systems engineering and cloud infrastructure

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,577,781 ($4.6M)

Contractor: DLT Solutions, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-05-20

End Date: 2026-05-19

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.6K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CALL ORDER IS TO PROVIDE INTEGRATED PUBLIC ALERT AND WARNING SYSTEM (IPAWS)-OPEN APPLICATION AND CLOUD SUPPORT SPECIFICALLY IN THE AREAS OF SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND DEVELOPMENT, CLOUD INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT (INFRASTRUCTURE AS A

Place of Performance

Location: HERNDON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20171

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $4.6 million to DLT SOLUTIONS, LLC for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CALL ORDER IS TO PROVIDE INTEGRATED PUBLIC ALERT AND WARNING SYSTEM (IPAWS)-OPEN APPLICATION AND CLOUD SUPPORT SPECIFICALLY IN THE AREAS OF SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND DEVELOPMENT, CLOUD INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT (INFRASTRUCTURE AS A Key points: 1. The contract focuses on critical systems engineering and cloud infrastructure management for the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). 2. This award represents a significant investment in maintaining and enhancing a vital national emergency communication platform. 3. The fixed-price contract structure aims to control costs for the duration of the performance period. 4. The use of a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call suggests a pre-negotiated framework for efficient procurement. 5. The contract duration of one year with potential for extensions indicates ongoing support needs for IPAWS. 6. The specific NAICS code (518210) points to a market segment focused on data processing and cloud hosting services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $4.58 million for one year of cloud support and systems engineering for IPAWS appears reasonable given the critical nature of the system. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for cloud infrastructure management and specialized IT support suggests that this pricing is within expected ranges. The firm-fixed-price nature of the award provides cost certainty for the government, although it may limit flexibility if unforeseen technical challenges arise.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), indicating it was likely a limited competition. While the specific details of the competition are not fully elaborated, SAP is typically used for procurements below certain thresholds where full and open competition may not be feasible or cost-effective. The number of bidders (6) suggests some level of interest, but it does not indicate a broad competitive landscape.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition under SAP may result in less aggressive pricing than a full and open competition, potentially leading to higher costs for taxpayers. However, it can also offer a more streamlined procurement process for essential services.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are federal agencies and emergency management officials who rely on IPAWS for disseminating critical alerts and warnings to the public. The services delivered will ensure the continued operation, maintenance, and potential enhancement of the IPAWS platform. The geographic impact is national, as IPAWS is designed to reach all areas of the United States. Workforce implications include the need for specialized systems engineering and cloud management expertise, likely benefiting DLT Solutions' employees and potentially subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition could potentially lead to higher costs than a broader solicitation.
Reliance on a single awardee for critical infrastructure support may pose a risk if performance issues arise.
The scope of 'Open Application and Cloud Support' is broad and may require careful management to ensure all requirements are met effectively.

Positive Signals

The contract is awarded to an established entity (DLT Solutions, LLC) with experience in government IT services.
The firm-fixed-price structure provides budget predictability.
The focus on systems engineering and cloud support addresses key technical needs for a vital national system.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector, particularly cloud computing and data processing, is a rapidly growing area for federal spending. This contract falls within the 'Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services' category (NAICS 518210). Federal agencies are increasingly migrating services to the cloud to improve efficiency, scalability, and security. Spending in this area is substantial, with numerous contracts awarded annually for similar support services across various agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications mandated by a small business set-aside. DLT Solutions, LLC, as a prime contractor, may choose to engage small businesses as subcontractors, but this is not a requirement of this particular award. The impact on the small business ecosystem is therefore indirect, depending on DLT's subcontracting decisions.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily reside with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) contracting officers and program managers. As a BPA Call, it operates under the umbrella of a pre-existing BPA, which likely has its own oversight mechanisms. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS)
Department of Homeland Security IT Modernization Efforts
Federal Emergency Management Agency Cloud Services
Public Safety Communications Systems
Government Cloud Computing Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Potential for Cost Overruns
Cybersecurity Risks
System Performance Dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $4.6 million to DLT SOLUTIONS, LLC. THE PURPOSE OF THIS CALL ORDER IS TO PROVIDE INTEGRATED PUBLIC ALERT AND WARNING SYSTEM (IPAWS)-OPEN APPLICATION AND CLOUD SUPPORT SPECIFICALLY IN THE AREAS OF SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND DEVELOPMENT, CLOUD INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT (INFRASTRUCTURE AS A

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DLT SOLUTIONS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-05-20. End: 2026-05-19.

What is the track record of DLT Solutions, LLC in providing similar cloud support and systems engineering services to the federal government?

DLT Solutions, LLC is a well-established government IT contractor with a significant history of serving federal agencies. They specialize in providing a wide range of IT products and services, including cloud solutions, software licensing, and professional services. Their experience often involves supporting complex systems and infrastructure for agencies like DHS, GSA, and others. While specific performance metrics for this exact type of IPAWS support are not detailed in the provided data, their general track record suggests they possess the foundational capabilities and experience necessary for such a contract. Further analysis would require reviewing past performance evaluations and contract histories for similar projects undertaken by DLT Solutions.

How does the awarded price of $4.58 million compare to similar government contracts for cloud infrastructure management and systems engineering?

The awarded price of $4.58 million for a one-year contract for IPAWS cloud support and systems engineering appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized IT services supporting critical national infrastructure. Benchmarking against similar contracts for cloud hosting, data processing, and systems engineering for agencies like DHS or FEMA, which often involve high levels of security and reliability, suggests that this figure is competitive. The firm-fixed-price nature also provides cost certainty. Without access to detailed cost breakdowns or specific service level agreements, a precise comparison is difficult, but the overall value seems aligned with market rates for such essential government IT functions.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are likely in place?

Key risks include potential performance issues with DLT Solutions, the possibility of cost overruns if the scope expands beyond initial expectations (despite the fixed-price nature), and security vulnerabilities inherent in cloud infrastructure. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust contract oversight by FEMA, clearly defined performance metrics and service level agreements (SLAs), regular technical reviews, and adherence to strict cybersecurity protocols. The limited competition aspect also presents a risk of less favorable pricing, which could be mitigated through strong negotiation and ongoing market analysis. Furthermore, contingency planning for system outages or cyber threats is crucial for a system like IPAWS.

How effective is the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) in its current state, and how will this contract contribute to its effectiveness?

IPAWS is a critical national system designed to deliver authoritative alerts and warnings to the public via multiple channels, including Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), NOAA Weather Radio, and Emergency Alert System (EAS) participants. Its effectiveness is measured by its reach, reliability, and the speed at which alerts can be disseminated. This contract, focusing on systems engineering and cloud support, is crucial for maintaining and enhancing IPAWS's operational readiness and scalability. By ensuring robust cloud infrastructure and expert systems engineering, the contract directly contributes to the system's ability to function reliably during emergencies, potentially improving alert delivery times and expanding its reach.

What are the historical spending patterns for IPAWS support or similar emergency alert systems within FEMA or DHS?

Historical spending on IPAWS and related emergency alert systems within FEMA and DHS has generally shown a consistent need for IT support, maintenance, and modernization. While specific figures for IPAWS alone can fluctuate based on upgrade cycles and new feature development, the overall trend indicates significant and ongoing investment in public safety communication infrastructure. Agencies like FEMA allocate substantial budgets towards systems that ensure national security and public safety. Spending often increases during periods of technological advancement or when system enhancements are prioritized. This $4.58 million award aligns with the expected level of investment required to maintain and improve such a vital, nationwide system.

What is the significance of the NAICS code 518210 (Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services) in the context of this contract?

The NAICS code 518210 signifies that the primary business activity for this contract revolves around providing the fundamental infrastructure for computing, data storage, and online services. This includes services like data processing, hosting websites and applications, and managing the underlying hardware and software that enable these functions. For IPAWS, this means the contract is focused on ensuring the cloud environment where the alert system operates is stable, secure, and scalable. It highlights the contract's emphasis on the technical backbone of the system rather than, for example, content creation or direct public outreach, underscoring the importance of robust IT infrastructure for emergency communications.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services › Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - NETWORK

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 70FA3124Q00000062

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2411 DULLES CORNER PARK SUITE 800, HERNDON, VA, 20171

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,555,285

Exercised Options: $4,577,781

Current Obligation: $4,577,781

Actual Outlays: $1,321,278

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70FA3125A00000004

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline